Crescimento da Economia brasileira aumenta entrada de estrangeiros no país http://portalmaritimo.com/2011/02/14/crescimento-da-economia-brasileira-aumenta-entrada-de-estrangeiros-no-pais/
Jacob, If you can read this and other articles, you will see that in some industrys- petroleum and gas and energy- for example, working on platforms- with special skills, has had an increase in visas for foreigners who come to work tempory 3 months to a year for foreign companies in Brazil. also mentioned is that many are also working as merchant marines in various capacities as crew members on ships. There are also a large number of visas given to artists and sportsmen. it is also mentioned that all these people bring knowledge and pass it on to brazilians- so there is not a fear about taking away the jobs of locals. It is stated that Brazil has many many good professionals, but are lacking knowledge of English to work with new and imported equipment and methods...

Now, how do you get a job (and visa) is another big question and problem for you to resolve? If it is English teaching, often moreso than advanced university degrees, just being present at the right moment at the right place can get you work- that may be clandestine- and to stay here permanently often involves marriage to a local or investing say 100,000 usd to start a business- like a small hotel (pousada), etc.
just some words from me...- I've been in and out of brazil since 1984 and for sure only have a few answers, a lot still to be learned,
cheers,
Capivara
presently in Ilheus, Brazil